Emmanuel Thomas I Friday, October 10, 2025
LAGOS, Nigeria – A Nigerian citizen, identified as Okey Nnorom Vitalis (also known as Michael), is among a group of international activists still being held in Israeli detention following the interception and alleged “illegal abduction” of participants from the Global Sumud Flotilla, which aimed to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
A statement released by flotilla organizers and supporters highlights the ongoing plight of those detained, demanding their immediate release and international accountability.
Mr. Nnorom Vitalis, who was a participant on the Omar Al-Mukhtar Flotilla vessel, is being held alongside five participants from the Global Sumud Flotilla—who are nationals of Spain, Norway, and Morocco—after their vessels were boarded in what activists insist were international waters.
The statement also notes the continued detention of 145 participants from other related aid initiatives, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and Thousand Madleens to Gaza.
”Their detention is not just unlawful, it is a punishment for solidarity itself. This cannot be allowed to continue,” the statement asserts.
Mr. Nnorom Vitalis was previously identified in reports as a mechanic working on one of the vessels and an advocate for the humanitarian mission. He is reportedly the sole Nigerian citizen among the named detainees.
The interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights groups and international civil society organizations, who argue that the military action in international waters constitutes a severe breach of international law.
The detention of activists involved in a non-violent humanitarian mission is described by the organizers as a gross violation of their rights.
The activist groups are now issuing a powerful call to action: “We call on all governments and people of conscience to act now. Demand their release. Demand accountability.”
The Nigerian government and the international community are under pressure to intervene to secure the release of Mr. Nnorom Vitalis and his fellow detainees, with organizers pledging not to cease their efforts.
”We will not stop until each one of them is free,” the statement concluded.
